SCA MD and CEO Grant Blackley steps down, replacement named
Grant Blackley will step down as the managing director and CEO of Southern Cross Media Group (SCA), with current chief operating officer John Kelly announced as the replacement.
L-R: Blackley and Kelly
Blackley departs on 30 June and will work with Kelly for a smooth transition over the next two months. Blackley has also agreed to extend his contractual post-employment restraint period from six months to nine months.
Before joining SCA, Blackley was the CEO of Network Ten until 2011. He joined SCA 2015 when Rhys Holleran left as CEO after only 18 months on the job.
Meanwhile, Kelly has been overseeing SCA’s general management, strategy, research and insights, and digital audio teams, as well as facilitating SCA’s key sporting rights, television affiliations, and digital audio partnerships in his current role as the COO.
During the transition period, SCA will review the group’s executive team and reporting lines. The group said it will not reappoint a new COO at this stage.
SCA chair Rob Murray said, “Grant has made a significant contribution to SCA since joining in June 2015. Under his leadership, SCA has become a truly national media business.”
“This included rolling out our market-leading radio brands Triple M and Hit around the country, acquiring the Redwave stations in Western Australia, expanding SCA’s national sales representation to 51 non-owned radio stations, and establishing national management structures and reporting lines.”
Commenting on Kelly’s appointment, Murray said: “John has an intimate understanding of SCA’s radio, television, and digital audio portfolio of assets, and he has been pivotal in leading the digital transformation of the group’s business model to position SCA for future growth.
“John is universally respected around the business for his balanced and engaging leadership style, his ability to build effective and accountable teams, and for his strong networks in the wider media industry. The Board is confident he will hit the ground running in leading SCA’s next stage of growth.”
Blackley said: “During my eight years at SCA, I have been privileged to design and lead a highly collaborative and talented team of dedicated people located across the length and breadth of Australia. I thank each person for their support and dedication.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to hand the baton to a natural successor in John Kelly. Having worked with John for over 20 years, both at SCA and previously at the Ten Network, I know he is the right person to lead the next growth phase at SCA.”
Kelly said: “Despite ongoing challenges in advertising media markets, the changes we have made in recent years have positioned SCA to take advantage of emerging and accelerating digital trends.
“SCA has unparalleled national reach supported by market-leading research and insights and a team of creative and passionate people focused on delivering sustainable value to our advertisers, audiences, communities, and shareholders.”
[click to enlarge]: Source: ASX
SCA began an on-market share buy-back of up to $40 million in March 2022. In the past year, the group’s share price has dropped more than 50%.
The company’s previous close on 28 April was $0.83 and has a market cap of $203.12 million as of 1 May.
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Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
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Congratulations Grant.
You have achieved so much throughout your career. And the last 8 years at SCA cap them off nicely.
Pretty good for a cheeky young planner/buyer from George Patts!
Enjoy the next stages in your life.
Sully
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